A MISSING mother of three has turned up safe and well after sparking a massive police search in Maidstone. Carole Hooker, 35, disappeared without trace from the family's home in Shearwater, Allington, on Monday after leaving a note saying she had gone for a walk.

Her distraught husband Robert, 39, made a public appeal for his wife to come home on Wednesday as fears grew for her safety. Mrs Hooker contacted her family on Wednesday night from her parents' home in Sutton, Surrey, to say she was safe and well.

Police officers have interviewed the couple at Maidstone police station. Ch Insp Mark Salisbury said: "We are obviously very relieved that Carole has been found safe and well. It is great news for everybody involved, particularly her family. We will continue to provide help and support to the Hooker family and will ensure that their welfare is our top priority."